Harold Washingtons
election in 1983 as Chicagos first
black mayor gained national attention. He won with the
support of a rainbow coalition of blacks, Hispanics,
Asians, liberal whites, women and the elderly. His
legacy is based on bringing opportunity and inclusiveness
to those who had never been favored by city policies or patronage.

Washington opened up
city government to all citizens. He increased
the number of city contracts awarded to minority businesses, vastly
expanded opportunities for women and minorities in public
employment, created the first city-wide ethics ordinance, and drafted
the citys Freedom of Information Act. He encouraged people to
become involved in community operations and neighborhood festivals.

Washington grew up on
Chicagos South Side, attended DuSable High
School and enlisted in the Army during World War II. Returning home,
he finished high school, earned his undergraduate degree from
Roosevelt College, and in 1952 earned a law degree from
Northwestern University. He served 15 years in the Illinois state
legislature and one and a half terms in the United States House of
Representatives before becoming a candidate in Chicagos 1983
mayoral race. Although he often said he wanted to be mayor for 20
years, Washington died seven months into his second term.